Apparatus and method for securing a ground cover at an area

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground; the ground cover having an edge substantially defining the area; includes: (a) a plurality of fixing structures; selected fixing structures being fixed at a first end in the ground generally outside the area; (b) a plurality of accessory structures; each respective accessory structure being attached with a respective fixing structure at a second end distal from the first end; (c) a plurality of engaging structures; selected engaging structures being engaged with the ground cover at a plurality of engagement loci distributed about the edge; and (d) a plurality of elastomeric connector structures coupling respective fixing structures with respective engaging structures. The accessory structures may include at least one of a storage compartment, a container receiving structure, a lighting unit, and an audio speaker unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit.

This application claims benefit of prior filed copending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/606,032, filed Mar. 2, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to securing apparatuses, and especially to securing apparatuses and methods for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base or area. The present invention is especially useful for securing a towel or other ground cover over sand at a beach.

Throughout this disclosure, reference to a “towel” is intended to be an exemplary reference not limited to a towel per se, but including other ground covers such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a tarp, a blanket or other sheet of flexible material. For purposes of this disclosure the term “sheet” shall mean “a surface or part of a surface in which it is possible to pass from any one point of it to any other without leaving the surface.” By way of example and not by way of limitation, a sheet of flexible material may be embodied in a towel, a tarp, a blanket or another flexible sheet that is generally planar when under tension.

When one lies on a towel over sand there is often collection of sand or other debris or detritus upon the towel that can irritate a user. Further, as one moves about on a towel over sand the towel often wrinkles or bunches up, presenting further discomfort to a user and oftentimes causing sand or debris to further collect on the towel.

There is a need for an apparatus and method for fixing a sheet of flexible material, such as a towel or other ground cover, over a base or area, such as ground or sand, in a manner to reduce collection of sand or debris on the towel or other grounds cover.

There is a need for an apparatus and method for fixing a sheet of flexible material, such as a towel or other ground cover, over a base, such as ground or sand, in a manner to ease removal of debris and to mitigate wrinkling or bunching of the sheet of flexible material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground; the ground cover having an at least one edge substantially defining the area; includes: (a) a plurality of fixing structures; selected fixing structures of the plurality of fixing structures being fixed at a first end in the ground generally outside the area; (b) a plurality of accessory structures; each respective accessory structure of the plurality of accessory structures being attached with a respective fixing structure at a second end distal from the first end; (c) a plurality of engaging structures; selected engaging structures of the plurality of engaging structures being engaged with the ground cover at a plurality of engagement loci; the engagement loci being distributed about the edge; and (d) a plurality of elastomeric connector structures coupling respective selected fixing structures with respective selected engaging structures. The accessory structures may include at least one of a storage compartment having a latching lid, a container receiving structure, a lighting unit, and an audio speaker unit. The audio speaker unit may be configured for wireless coupling with a base unit.

A method for securing a ground cover situated at an area of ground, the ground cover having at least one edge substantially defining the area, includes the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) providing a plurality of fixing structures; each respective fixing structure of the plurality of fixing structures having a first end and a second end; each respective fixing structure having an attached accessory structure at the second end; (2) providing a plurality of engaging structures; and (3) providing a plurality of elastomeric connector structures; (b) assembling a plurality of securing assemblies; each respective securing assembly comprising a respective fixing structure and a respective engaging structure coupled by a respective connector structure; each respective securing assembly having a respective relaxed reach defined by a maximum distance reachable by the respective securing assembly with the connector structure untensioned; (c) selecting at least one securing assembly as an installation securing assembly; (d) in no particular order: (1) effecting engagement between an engaging structure of at least one installation securing assembly and the ground cover at at least one the engagement locus; and (2) installing an installation securing assembly in the ground at a fixing locus; the fixing locus being situated an installation distance from the area; the installation distance for each respective installation securing assembly being greater than the relaxed reach of the respective installation securing assembly; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until the ground cover is substantially fixedly situated generally at the area.

It is, therefore, a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for fixing a sheet of flexible material, such as a towel or other ground cover, over a base or area, such as ground or sand, in a manner to reduce collection of sand or debris on the towel or other grounds cover.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for fixing a sheet of flexible material, such as a towel or other ground cover, over a base, such as ground or sand, in a manner to ease removal of debris and to mitigate wrinkling or bunching of the sheet of flexible material.

Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification and claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using like reference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top plan view of the preferred embodiment of a ground cover installation using the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a representative prior art embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an engaging structure for use with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an integral storage compartment with a lid.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an integral storage compartment with a lid.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a container receiving structure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a container receiving structure with a container received.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a storage compartment and an integral container receiving structure with the storage compartment open.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a storage compartment and an integral container receiving structure with the storage compartment closed and with a container received.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a lighting unit activated by a push button.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a lighting unit activated by a manual switch.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a basketball design.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a golf design.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a football design.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a tennis design.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a first alternate embodiment of an anchoring terminus for use with a fixing structure of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial side view of a second alternate embodiment of an anchoring terminus for use with a fixing structure of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a first representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a second representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a third representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention permits securing a towel, by way of example and not by way of limitation, under tension using easily installed fixing structures installable by pressing into the sand, partially burying in the sand or similarly employing the sand to substantially immovable establish the location of the fixing structures.

Elastomeric connector structures are preferably employed grippingly engaging the towel and attached under tension to the fixing structures to maintain a desired tension in the installed towel.

Maintaining the towel under tension reduces wrinkling or bunching of the towel as a user lies upon the towel or moves about on the towel. Further, maintaining the towel under tension permits easy removal of sand or other debris from the towel by simply pulling the towel to momentarily increase tension on the connector structures and suddenly releasing the towel thereby effecting a “snapping” reaction by the towel as the tension on the connector structures is quickly eased to cause collected sand or other detritus to separate from the towel.

FIG. 1 is a schematic top plan view of the preferred embodiment of a ground cover installation using the apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 includes a sheet 12 of flexible material. As mentioned earlier herein, for purposes of this disclosure the term “sheet” shall mean “a surface or part of a surface in which it is possible to pass from any one point of it to any other without leaving the surface.” By way of example and not by way of limitation, sheet 12 of flexible material may be embodied in a towel, a tarp, a blanket or another flexible sheet that is generally planar when under tension.

Sheet 12 of flexible material may be configured in any polygonal shape including a circle or ellipse, and is illustrated in FIG. 1, by way of example and not by way of limitation, as a rectangular shape. Sheet 12 is circumscribed by an edge 14 defining a first area 16 that is substantially co-extensive with sheet 12.

A plurality of fixing structures 18 ₁, 18 ₂, 18 ₃, 18 _(n) is arrayed about sheet 12 in a manner establishing a second area 20 (indicated by dotted-line boundary 22). Second area 20 substantially contains first area 16. The indicator “n” is employed to signify that there can be any number of fixing structures employed with apparatus 10. The inclusion of four fixing structures 18 ₁, 18 ₂, 18 ₃, 18 _(n) in FIG. 1 is illustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regarding the number of fixing structures that may be included in the apparatus of the present invention. Throughout this description, use of a reference numeral using a generic subscript herein may be taken to mean that any respective member of the plurality of elements having the same reference numeral may be regarded as included in the description. Thus, by way of example and not by way of limitation, referring to fixing structure 18 _(n) in describing FIG. 1 may be taken to mean that any fixing structure—18 ₁, 18 ₂, 18 ₃ or 18 _(n) (FIG. 1)—may be regarded as capable of employment as described.

Each respective fixing structure 18 _(n) is attached with sheet 12 at a respective engagement locus 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 ₃, 24 _(a). There are generally, but not necessarily, a number of engagement loci 24 _(a) equal with the number of fixing structures 18 _(a). For example a particular fixing structure 18 _(n) may involve more than one engagement locus 24 _(a). The indicator “a” is employed to signify that there can be any number of engagement loci employed with apparatus 10. The inclusion of four engagement loci 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 ₃, 24 _(a) in FIG. 1 is illustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regarding the number of engagement loci that may be included in the apparatus of the present invention.

Each respective engagement locus 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 ₃, 24 _(a) has a respective engaging structure 26 ₁, 26 ₂, 26 ₃, 26 _(b) and an associated respective elastomeric connector structure 28 ₁, 28 ₂, 28 ₃, 28 _(c). The indicator “b” is employed to signify that there can be any number of engaging structures employed with apparatus 10. The inclusion of four engaging structures 26 ₁, 26 ₂, 26 ₃, 26 _(b) in FIG. 1 is illustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regarding the number of engaging structures that may be included in the apparatus of the present invention. The indicator “c” is employed to signify that there can be any number of elastomeric connector structures employed with apparatus 10. The inclusion of four elastomeric connector structures 28 ₁, 28 ₂, 28 ₃, 28 _(c) in FIG. 1 is illustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regarding the number of elastomeric connector structures that may be included in the apparatus of the present invention.

A respective elastomeric connector structure 28 _(c) and an associated engagement structure 26 _(b) cooperate with each respective fixing structure 18 _(n) and associated engagement locus 24 _(a) to effect connection of a respective fixing structure 18 _(n) with sheet 12. Preferably elastomeric connector structures 28 _(c) may be tensioned when apparatus 10 is installed so that sheet 12 may be maintained under tension in a plurality of axes when apparatus 10 is installed.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a representative prior art embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a stake 30 includes a pointed end 32 configured for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Integrally formed with pointed end 32 is a shaft 33 and an attachment end 34. Attachment end 34 includes an attachment aperture 36 through which an attachment cord 38 may be passed. Attachment end 34 may also include an engaging hook structure 42 in addition to or instead of attachment aperture 36. Attachment cord 38 may be looped around stake 30 in a manner permitting a hooking interaction between attachment cord 36 and engaging hook structure 42 (not shown in FIG. 2; understood by those skilled in the art of tie-downs or tent anchoring) in a manner similar to engaging tie-downs or tent stakes.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an engaging structure for use with the present invention. In FIG. 3, an engaging structure 50 includes a pair of opposingly situated toothed jaw structures 52, 54. Jaw structures 52, 54 are integrally formed with a body section 56 and depend from a common locus 58 to permit jaw structures 52, 54 to rotatingly move about common locus 58 to engage a sheet 60, as indicated by arrows 53, 55. The integral structure of body section 56 with jaw structures 52, 54 provides a bias force to jaw structures 52, 54 urging jaw structures 52, 54 apart. A collar 62 may surround body section 56 and jaw structures 52, 54. Collar 62 may be configured to encounter jaw structures 52, 54 as collar 62 is moved to the right in FIG. 3, as indicated by an arrow 64 to urge jaw structures 52, 54 toward each other and to maintain jaw structures 52, 54 in compressing contact with sheet 60 when jaw structures 52, 54 are sufficiently urged together to effect such compression upon sheet 60. Collar 62 may be moved to the left in FIG. 3 as indicated by arrow 64 to release jaws structures 52, 54 from contact with sheet 60 in response to the bias force experienced by jaw structures 52, 54. A connection cord 66 may be attached with engaging structure 50 for effecting connection with a fixing structure (not shown in FIG. 3). Connection cord 66 may be looped through an attachment aperture (not shown) in body section 56 and secured with a clamp 67 to effect attachment of cord 66 with engaging structure 50. Securing of cord 66 with engaging structure 50 may also be effected such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, by tying a loop in cord 66 or by employing another way to form a loop in cord 66. A tension adjuster 68 may be installed with cord 66 to aid in adjusting tension of cord 66 in an installed orientation under tension between a fixing structure and a sheet. Tension adjuster 68 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as installed at an end of cord 66 nearer to a fixing structure (not shown in FIG. 3) than to engaging structure 50. If desired, tension adjuster 68 may be installed at an end of cord 66 nearer to engaging structure 50 than to a fixing structure in an installed orientation.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an integral storage compartment with a lid. In FIG. 4, a fixing structure 70 includes a first end 72 configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus 74 for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Terminus 74 may be sharpened if desired. Integrally formed with first end 72 is a shaft 73 and a second end 76. An accessory structure 78 is attached with fixing structure 70 at second end 76. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 70 (not shown) accessory structure 78 may be integrally formed with shaft 73.

Attachment accessory structure 78 may also include a storage compartment 84 having a lid 86. Lid 86 may have a hinge 88 attached with attachment accessory 78 to permit repeatable opening and closing of lid 86, as indicated by an arrow 89.

Accessory structure 78 presents an enlarged surface 80 to aid a user in installing fixing structure 70 in a base such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, earth or sand (not shown in FIG. 4). Surface 80 presents an enlarged surface configured to accommodate a user's hand or foot (when lid 86 is fully closed) when pressing terminus 74 into a base such as earth or sand.

Accessory structure 78 may present an attachment aperture 82 through which an attachment cord (not shown in FIG. 4) may be passed. Alternatively (or additionally) an attachment aperture 83 may be provided traversing shaft 73 to accommodate an attachment cord.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an integral storage compartment with a lid. In FIG. 5, a fixing structure 90 includes a first end 92 configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus 94 for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Terminus 94 may be sharpened if desired. Integrally formed with first end 92 is a shaft 93 and a second end 96. An accessory structure 98 is attached with fixing structure 90 at second end 96. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 90 (not shown) accessory structure 98 may be integrally formed with shaft 93.

Attachment accessory structure 98 may also include a storage compartment 104 having a lid 106. Lid 106 may have a hinge 108 attached with attachment accessory 98 to permit repeatable opening and closing of lid 106, as indicated by an arrow 109. Storage compartment 104 may extend to within shaft 93 if shaft 93 is configured sufficiently large to accommodate an internal hollow volume 105.

Accessory structure 98 presents an enlarged surface 100 to aid a user in installing fixing structure 90 in a base such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, earth or sand (not shown in FIG. 5). Surface 100 presents an enlarged surface configured to accommodate a user's hand or foot (when lid 106 is closed) when pressing terminus 94 into a base such as earth or sand.

Accessory structure 98 may present an attachment aperture 102 through which an attachment cord (not shown in FIG. 5) may be passed.

A latch structure 110 and an associated catch structure 112 for capturing latch structure 110 in a manner known in the art may be provided to permit lid 106 to be latchable.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a container receiving structure. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a container receiving structure with a container received. Regarding FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 together, a fixing structure 120 includes a first end (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; see FIGS. 4 and 5) configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus for driving into a base, such as earth or sand and having an integrally formed shaft 122 and a second end 124. An accessory structure 126 is attached with fixing structure 120 at second end 124. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 120 (not shown) accessory structure 126 may be integrally formed with shaft 122.

Attachment accessory structure 126 may include a container receiving structure 128 including a well 130 substantially surrounded by a wall 132. Wall 132 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 as extending in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis 134 of shaft 122 from the bottom of well 130 a distance d substantially less than the height h of a received container 136 (see FIG. 7). Wall 132 may extend any distance d from the bottom of well 130 as may be desired to accommodate taller received containers, to protect against accidental spilling of received containers or for another reason.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a storage compartment and an integral container receiving structure with the storage compartment open. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a storage compartment and an integral container receiving structure with the storage compartment closed and with a container received. Regarding FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 together, a fixing structure 140 includes a first end (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; see FIGS. 4 and 5) configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus for driving into a base, such as earth or sand and having an integrally formed shaft 142 and a second end 144. An accessory structure 146 is attached with fixing structure 140 at second end 144. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 140 (not shown) accessory structure 146 may be integrally formed with shaft 142.

Accessory structure 146 may include a storage compartment 148 having a lid 150. Lid 150 may have a hinge 152 (not visible in FIG. 8; see FIG. 9) attached with accessory structure 146 to permit repeatable opening and closing of lid 150, as indicated by an arrow 151. A latch structure 154 and an associated catch structure 156 (not visible in FIG. 9; see FIG. 8) for capturing latch structure 154 in a manner known in the art may be provided to permit lid 150 to be latchable. Latch structure 154 and catch structure 156 may interact physically to effect latching or may interact magnetically to effect latching.

Accessory structure 146 may include a container receiving structure 158 including a well 160 substantially surrounded by a wall 162. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, container receiving structure 158 is preferably embodied in lid 150. FIG. 9 illustrates lid 150 as transparent so as to emphasize that lid 150 incorporates container receiving structure 158, revealing items 164 contained in storage compartment 148. Lid 150 may alternatively be constructed using opaque material to hide contents of storage compartment 148. Wall 132 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 as extending in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis 134 of shaft 122 from the bottom of well 130 a distance d substantially less than the height h of a received container 136 (see FIG. 7). Wall 132 may extend any distance d from the bottom of well 130 as may be desired to accommodate taller received containers, to protect against accidental spilling of received containers or for another reason.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a lighting unit activated by a push button. In FIG. 10, a fixing structure 170 includes a first end 172 configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus 174 for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Terminus 174 may be sharpened if desired. Integrally formed with first end 172 is a shaft 173 and a second end 176. An accessory structure 178 is attached with fixing structure 170 at second end 176. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 170 (not shown) accessory structure 178 may be integrally formed with shaft 173.

Accessory structure 178 may include a lighting unit 180 having a button-shaped actuator 182 presenting an expanse substantially equal with the top expanse of lighting unit 180. Actuator 182 may be configured as a push button switching unit whereby a user may depress button-shaped actuator 182, as indicated by an arrow 183, to turn on lighting unit 180, and may subsequently depress button-shaped actuator 182 again, as indicated by arrow 183, to turn off lighting unit 180. Alternatively lighting unit 180 may be solar powered, may be light actuated, may be motion activated, may be timer controlled, or may be sound activated. An attachment aperture 184 may be provided in shaft 173 through which an attachment cord (not shown in FIG. 10) may be passed.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including a lighting unit activated by a manual switch. In FIG. 11, a fixing structure 190 includes a first end 192 configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus 194 for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Terminus 194 may be sharpened if desired. Integrally formed with first end 192 is a shaft 193 and a second end 196. An accessory structure 198 is attached with fixing structure 190 at second end 196. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 190 (not shown) accessory structure 198 may be integrally formed with shaft 193.

Accessory structure 198 may include a lighting unit 200 having a switch 202 for controlling operation of lighting unit 200. Switch 202 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as a slide switch by which a user may control ON-OFF operation of lighting unit 200 by sliding switch 200 as indicated by an arrow 204. Other types of switches may be employed for switch 202 including, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a toggle switch, a push button switch, a capacitively actuated switch, a magnetically actuated switch, a light actuated switch and other types of switches capable of controlling voltage or current to lighting unit 200.

Alternatively lighting unit 200 may be solar powered, may be light actuated, may be motion activated, may be timer controlled, or may be sound activated. An attachment aperture 204 may be provided in shaft 193 through which an attachment cord (not shown in FIG. 11) may be passed.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a basketball design. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a golf design. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a football design. FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an accessory structure including an audio unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit and decorated with a tennis design. Regarding FIGS. 12-15 together, a fixing structure 210 includes a first end 212 configured with a diminished breadth anchoring terminus 214 for driving into a base, such as earth or sand. Terminus 214 may be sharpened if desired. Integrally formed with first end 212 is a shaft 213 and a second end 216. An accessory structure 218 is attached with fixing structure 210 at second end 216. In alternate embodiments of fixing structure 210 (not shown) accessory structure 218 may be integrally formed with shaft 213.

Accessory structure 218 may include an audio speaker unit 220 having a capability to wirelessly couple with a base unit 222 such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, via a Bluetooth coupling (Bluetooth is a trademark of L.M. Ericsson). Accessory structure 218 may be undecorated (not shown) or may be decorated using a basketball design (see FIG. 12). Other decorative designs may be applied to accessory structure 218 such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a golf design (see FIG. 13), a football design (see FIG. 14) or a tennis design (see FIG. 15). An attachment aperture 204 may be provided in shaft 193 through which an attachment cord (not shown in FIG. 11) may be passed.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a first alternate embodiment of an anchoring terminus for use with a fixing structure of the present invention. In FIG. 16, a shaft 230 for a fixing structure (not shown in its entirety in FIG. 16) has a longitudinal axis 231 and a shaft end 232 configured with an anchoring terminus 234. Anchoring terminus 234 has a generally rectangular side profile, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Viewed along axis 231, anchoring terminus 234 may have a polygonal or circular shape as representatively presented in FIGS. 18-20.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a second alternate embodiment of an anchoring terminus for use with a fixing structure of the present invention. In FIG. 17, a shaft 240 for a fixing structure (not shown in its entirety in FIG. 17) has a longitudinal axis 241 and a shaft end 242 configured with an anchoring terminus 244. Anchoring terminus 244 has a generally bulbous side profile, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Viewed along axis 241, anchoring terminus 244 may have a polygonal or circular shape as representatively presented in FIGS. 18-20.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a first representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. In FIG. 18, a shaft 230, 240 is configured with an anchoring terminus 234, 244. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 has a generally rectangular shape as illustrated in FIG. 18. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 may be substantially centered about shaft 230, 240, but is not necessarily so oriented.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a second representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. In FIG. 19, a shaft 230, 240 is configured with an anchoring terminus 234, 244. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 has a generally circular shape as illustrated in FIG. 19. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 may have a generally elliptical shape (not shown) if desired. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 may be substantially centered about shaft 230, 240, but is not necessarily so oriented.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a third representative embodiment of the embodiments of an anchoring terminus illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. In FIG. 20, a shaft 230, 240 is configured with an anchoring terminus 234, 244. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 has a generally polygonal shape as illustrated in FIG. 20. A regular hexagonal shape is presented in FIG. 20 representing a polygonal-shaped anchoring terminus 234, 244. However, any polygonal shape—regular or irregular—may be advantageously employed for anchoring terminus 234, 244. Anchoring terminus 234, 244 may be substantially centered about shaft 230, 240, but is not necessarily so oriented.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention. In FIG. 21, a method 300 for securing a ground cover situated at an area of ground begins at a START locus 302. The ground cover has at least one edge substantially defining the area.

Method 300 continues with, in no particular order: (1) providing a plurality of fixing structures, as indicated by a block 304; each respective fixing structure of the plurality of fixing structures has a first end and a second end; each respective fixing structure has an attached accessory structure at the second end; (2) providing a plurality of engaging structures, as indicated by a block 306; and (3) providing a plurality of elastomeric connector structures, as indicated by a block 308.

Method 300 continues with constructing a plurality of securing assemblies, as indicated by a block 310. Each respective securing assembly includes a respective fixing structure of the plurality of fixing structures and a respective engaging structure of the plurality of engaging structures coupled by a respective connector structure of the plurality of connector structures. Each respective securing assembly of the plurality of securing assemblies has a respective relaxed reach defined by a maximum distance reachable by the respective securing assembly with the connector structure untensioned.

Method 300 continues with selecting at least one the securing assembly as an installation securing assembly, as indicated by a block 311.

Method 300 continues with, in no particular order: (1) effecting engagement between an engaging structure of at least one installation securing assembly and the ground cover at at least one the engagement locus, as indicated by a block 312; and (2) installing the first end of a fixing structure of at least one installation securing assembly in the ground at a fixing locus, as indicated by a block 314. The fixing locus may be situated an installation distance from the area. The installation distance for each respective installation securing assembly is greater than the relaxed reach of the respective installation securing assembly.

Method 300 continues with posing a query whether the cover is fixed as desired, as indicated by a query block 332. If the cover is not fixed as desired, method 300 proceeds from query block 332 via a NO response line 322 to a locus 309. Method 300 thereafter proceeds from locus 309 substantially as described in connection with blocks 311, 312, 314, 316.

If the cover is fixed as desired, method 300 proceeds from query block 332 via a YES response line 322 to a terminate at an END locus 320.

Method 300 may involve additional steps when elastomeric connector structures are provided with a tension-adjusting structure such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, tension adjuster 68 (FIG. 3). When a tension-adjusting structure is provided, method 300 includes providing tension-adjusting structures with connector structures, as indicated by a dotted-line block 330. The dotted-line format of boxes in FIG. 21 describing method 300 when a tension-adjusting structure is provided is intended to indicate an optional nature for the indicated method steps.

When tension-adjusting structures are provided, method 300 proceeds from a step indicated by dotted-line block 330 substantially as earlier described in connection with blocks 310, 311, 312, 314.

When tension-adjusting structures are provided, method 300 proceeds from blocks 312, 314 to pose a query whether it is desired to adjust tension in a connector structure, as indicated by a dotted-line query block 332. If it is desired to adjust tension in a connector structure, method 300 proceeds from query block 332 via a YES response line 334 to apply tension as desired in a desired connector structure, as indicated by a dotted-line block 336, and method 300 thereafter proceeds substantially as earlier described in connection with query block 316.

If it is not desired to adjust tension in a connector structure, method 300 proceeds from query block 332 via a NO response line 338, and method 300 thereafter proceeds substantially as earlier described in connection with query block 316.

It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specific examples given describe preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for the purpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of the invention are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined by the following claims: 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base; said sheet of flexible material having a generally polygonal shape with at least one edge defining a first area; the apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of fixing structures; each respective fixing structure of said plurality of fixing structures being substantially fixedly contained at a first end within said base in an arrangement circumscribing a second area; said second area substantially containing said first area; (b) a plurality of accessory structures; each respective accessory structure of said plurality of accessory structures being attached with a respective said fixing structure at a second end distal from said first end; (c) a plurality of elastomeric connector structures; a respective said elastomeric connector structure of said plurality of elastomeric connector structures being attached with each said respective fixing structure; and (d) a plurality of engaging structures; each respective said engaging structure of said plurality of engaging structures being coupled with a respective said elastomeric connector structure; said plurality of engaging structures being engaged with said sheet of flexible material at a plurality of engagement loci; said plurality of engagement loci being distributed substantially about said at least one edge.
 2. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 1 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a storage compartment having a latchable lid.
 3. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 1 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a container receiving structure.
 4. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 2 wherein said respective said accessory structure also includes a substantially integral container receiving structure.
 5. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 1 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a lighting unit.
 6. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 1 wherein a respective said accessory structure is an audio speaker unit.
 7. The apparatus for fixing a sheet of flexible material over a base as recited in claim 6 wherein said audio speaker unit is configured for wireless coupling with a base unit.
 8. An apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground; the ground cover having at least one edge substantially defining said area; the apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of fixing structures; selected fixing structures of said plurality of fixing structures being fixed at a first end in said ground generally outside said area; (b) a plurality of accessory structures; each respective accessory structure of said plurality of accessory structures being attached with a respective said fixing structure at a second end distal from said first end; (c) a plurality of engaging structures; selected engaging structures of said plurality of engaging structures being engaged with said ground cover at a plurality of engagement loci; said engagement loci being distributed about said edge; and (c) a plurality of elastomeric connector structures coupling respective said selected fixing structures with respective said selected engaging structures.
 9. The apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 8 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a storage compartment having a latchable lid.
 10. The apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 8 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a container receiving structure.
 11. The apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 9 wherein a respective said accessory structure also includes a substantially integral container receiving structure.
 12. The apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 10 wherein a respective said accessory structure is a lighting unit.
 13. The apparatus for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 9 wherein a respective said accessory structure is an audio speaker unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit.
 14. A method for securing a ground cover situated at an area of ground; the ground cover having at least one edge substantially defining said area; the method comprising the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) providing a plurality of fixing structures; each respective fixing structure of said plurality of fixing structures having a first end and a second end; each said respective fixing structure having an attached accessory structure at said second end; (2) providing a plurality of engaging structures; and (3) providing a plurality of elastomeric connector structures; (b) constructing a plurality of securing assemblies; each respective securing assembly comprising a respective fixing structure of said plurality of fixing structures and a respective engaging structure of said plurality of engaging structures coupled by a respective connector structure of said plurality of connector structures; each respective securing assembly of said plurality of securing assemblies having a respective relaxed reach defined by a maximum distance reachable by said respective securing assembly with said connector structure untensioned; (c) selecting at least one said securing assembly as an installation securing assembly; (d) in no particular order: (1) effecting engagement between an engaging structure of at least one said installation securing assembly and said ground cover at at least one said engagement locus; and (2) installing said first end of a fixing structure of at least one said installation securing assembly in said ground at a fixing locus; said fixing locus being situated an installation distance from said area; said installation distance for each respective installation securing assembly of said at least one installation securing assembly being greater than said relaxed reach of said respective installation securing assembly; and (a) repeating steps (c) and (d) until said ground cover is substantially fixedly situated generally at said area.
 15. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 14 wherein step (a) (3) further comprises providing selected elastomeric connector structures of said plurality of elastomeric connector structures with a tension-adjusting structure; and wherein the method comprises an additional step following step (d) and preceding step (e); said additional step being: if a respective installation securing assembly includes a respective said tension-adjusting structure, adjusting said respective installation securing assembly to apply tension to said ground cover.
 16. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 14 wherein said accessory structure is a storage compartment having a latchable lid.
 17. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 14 wherein said accessory structure is a container receiving structure.
 18. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 16 wherein said accessory structure also includes a substantially integral container receiving structure.
 19. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 14 wherein said accessory structure is a lighting unit.
 20. The method for securing a ground cover with respect to an area of ground as recited in claim 14 wherein said accessory structure is an audio speaker unit configured for wireless coupling with a base unit. 